Valorant has quickly become one of the most popular tactical FPS games in the world, and with that popularity comes a vibrant community of players who want to stand out—not just by their gameplay skills but also by their in-game names. Whether you chose a random name during account creation or simply feel it’s time for a change, updating your Valorant name is something any player might want to do eventually. Fortunately, changing your name in Valorant is a straightforward process once you know how. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
TL;DR
Your Valorant name is tied to your Riot Games account, not just the game itself. To change it, log in to your Riot account on their official website and update your Riot ID. Changing your name is free and can be done once every 30 days. Just make sure to pick something you’ll be happy with for a while!
What Is Your Valorant Name?
Before diving into how you can change it, it’s useful to understand what exactly your Valorant name is. When you play Valorant, other players see a combination of your Riot ID and a tagline. For example, your name might appear as “ShadowStrike#0077”.
- Riot ID: This is your chosen display name.
- Tagline: This is a numeric or alphanumeric code that accompanies your display name, making it unique across regions and players.
Together, they make up your complete Valorant name and ensure that you can have the same display name as someone else, as long as your taglines are different.
Why You Might Want to Change Your Valorant Name
There are many reasons why someone would want to change their Riot ID, including:
- You picked a default name and want something more customized.
- You’ve changed your online identity or gamer persona.
- You want something more professional for streaming or esports.
- You’re just tired of your old name and looking for a fresh start.
Whatever your motivation, the good news is that updating your Riot ID doesn’t cost anything and can be done with minimal hassle.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Valorant Name
Changing your name in Valorant is done through your Riot Games account settings. Here’s how you can change it:
- Go to the Riot Games website: Open your browser and navigate to https://account.riotgames.com.
- Log into your Riot Account: Use the same credentials you use to log in to Valorant.
- Find the Riot ID section: Once logged in, locate the section labeled “Riot ID” on your account settings page.
- Edit your Riot ID: Click on the pencil icon next to your Riot ID to change both your name and tagline if you wish.
- Confirm the changes: Click “Save Changes.” You’ll see a confirmation message, and your new display name will be in effect shortly.
Note: The change isn’t instant in Valorant. It may take a few minutes or require you to log out and log back in to see the update.
Limitations and Cooldowns
There are a few important things to keep in mind when changing your Riot ID:
- Frequency: You can only change your name once every 30 days. Make sure you’re confident about the new name before confirming the switch.
- Character Limit: Your display name should be between 3–16 characters and cannot include special characters like @, #, $, etc.
- Inappropriate Language: Riot has an automated filter and human moderators who can force a name change if your new Riot ID contains inappropriate language.
Tips for Choosing a Great Valorant Name
Your Valorant name is part of your identity in-game. Here are a few tips to help you choose a name that really sticks:
- Keep it unique: While the tagline makes names unique, a distinct name can make you more recognizable to friends and fans.
- Think long-term: Choose a name that you’ll still enjoy a month or even years from now.
- Avoid trends: Names based on current memes or events might get outdated quickly.
- Keep it readable: Avoid excessive numbers or leetspeak that can be hard to remember or pronounce.
What About the Tagline?
Your tagline is just as important as your display name if you’re trying to create a unique identity. When changing your Riot ID, you’ll also be given the option to update your tagline.
You can choose a custom tagline or opt to keep the one assigned to you. Keep in mind that taglines must also be 3–5 characters and shouldn’t include inappropriate language or offensive terms.
How to Check If a Name Is Available
Because taglines make names unique, you don’t need to worry too much about name availability. Two players can have the same display name as long as their taglines differ. Still, if you’re set on a specific combination of name and tagline, you may want to test it out during the change process. The system will alert you if anything is invalid or not available.
Is Changing Your Display Name the Same as Changing Your Username?
Not quite. There’s often confusion between your Riot ID and your Riot username. Here’s the difference:
- Riot ID: This is your in-game name seen by other players, and it can be changed every 30 days for free.
- Username: This is what you use to log in to Riot Games services. This cannot be changed without reaching out to Riot support, and only under specific circumstances.
What If You Have Multiple Riot Games?
If you play other Riot titles like League of Legends, TFT, or Legends of Runeterra, your Riot ID will carry over to those games as well. Changing your Riot ID will affect how your name appears across all these games. So be sure you’re happy with the change!
Safety and Etiquette
While you have the freedom to choose your own name, remember that your identity online also represents your behavior in-game. Choosing offensive or misleading names can lead to reports and even forced name changes by Riot.
Here are a few best practices:
- Be appropriate: Avoid using slurs, swear words, or references to hate speech or illegal activity.
- Respect others’ privacy: Don’t impersonate other players or public figures.
- Think before you troll: You might find it funny now, but offensive names can lead to temporary suspensions or permanent account flags.
Conclusion
Whether you’ve outgrown your original Riot ID or just want a clean slate, changing your Valorant name is a simple yet meaningful way to redefine your online persona. With just a few clicks on the Riot Games website, you can have a fresh name appear in your matches, making it easier to express yourself and stand out among friends and foes alike.
Just remember to follow the rules, choose wisely, and enjoy the new identity you craft for yourself in the ever-growing world of Valorant.
